THE HAGUE, 08/09/00 - The education union CNV stated in its national plan of action, which was presented on Friday, that 12 billion guilders extra is needed for education. This sum is necessary for reducing class sizes, staff, school buildings, teaching aids, and a better salary structure.

The CNV realizes that it is asking for a lot of money, but believes politicians must make choices. "Perhaps the sacred cow of reducing taxes should be abandoned. " The appeal for smaller classes may sound odd in a time when there is a shortage of teachers, CNV executive member Van Rooij acknowledged, but he insisted that efforts in this direction are still required.

The general education union AOb has no problem with the sum of 12 billion mentioned by the CNV. But the problem is deciding what should be given the highest priority, spokesman W. Dresscher claimed. The AOb will be presenting 'the bill' to Education Minister Loek Hermans on Princes Day, containing a summary of the needs of schools and the plans and sums of money required to satisfy these needs.